Definition

A shoulder-fired long gun with no rifling in the barrel, designed to shoot a large number of small projectiles (shot) rather than a single large projectile
 

Shotguns require a certificate in Great Britain, but there is no limit to the number of shotguns that can be held by someone on one certificate.

What are Shotguns used for?

• Shotguns are used for clay pigeon shooting, usually by members of clubs on designated shooting grounds.  The clays, (ceramic type disc targets) are launched into the air from traps to simulate the flight of live birds.  Shotguns are also used individually for pest control, (magpies, squirrels, rats, pigeons etc.) and to shoot game for the table.

HOW DO SHOTGUNS CONTRIBUTE TO GUN CRIME?

SHOTGUNS USED TO KILL AND INJURE ADULTS AND CHILDREN

• Shotguns are used to kill and injure adults and children each year.  The trend in shotgun homicides is decreasing, from 19 in 1999/2000 to 7 in 2008/09. However, the trend in injuries is increasing.  From 100 injuries in 1999/00 to 137 in 2008/09.

Source: Home Office Statistical Bulletin 01/09 - Homicides, Firearm Offences and Intimate Violence 2008/09 (Supplementary Volume 2 to Crime in England and Wales 2008/09). 

To read about reported shotgun incidents click on 'recent incidents' and from the 'issue type' option select 'shotguns'. To learn more about shotgun issues hover over 'current issues'  and select 'shotgun issues' from the drop down menu.

SHOTGUNS ENABLING CRIME (ROBBERY ETC.)

• Shotguns and 'sawn off' shotguns are used to enable many crimes each year.  Even if the gun is not fired victims are threatened, frightened, coerced and intimidated, which can cause long lasting psychological damage.

To read about shotgun crimes click on 'Reported incidents' and from the 'issue type' options select 'shotguns'. To learn more about shotgun issues hover over 'current issues'  and select 'shotgun issues' from the drop down menu.

SHOTGUNS AND ANIMAL CRUELTY

• Shotguns are used to kill and injure many animals and birds each year.  Pets, wild birds, pigeons, swans, ducks, dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals are all at risk.

To read about shotguns and animal cruelty  click on 'Reported incidents' and from the 'issue type' option select 'animal cruelty'. or read the 'animal cruelty' page from 'current issues'.  To learn more about shotgun issues hover over 'current issues'  and select 'shotgun issues' from the drop down menu.

SHOTGUN VANDALISM AND CRIMINAL DAMAGE

• Shotguns are implicated in many cases of criminal damage. Irresponsible owners use them to shoot at shop premises, windows, homes, sheds, vehicles, road traffic signs etc.

To read about these crimes click on 'Reported incidents' and from the 'issue type' option select 'vandalism'.  To learn more about shotgun issues hover on 'current issues' and select 'shotgun issues' from the drop down menu.

SHOTGUN ADAPTIONS

• Shotguns are adapted to make them easier to conceal for criminal use - the barrell is shortened, ie. 'sawn off'

To learn more about this issue hover on 'current issues' and select 'shotgun issues' from the drop down menu.

SHOTGUNS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

• Shotguns are used in domestic violence.  Victims are fatally wounded, injured, coerced, raped, threatened and held captive.  Women are particularly vulnerable to shotgun violence due to the presence of shotguns in the home (both legal and illegally held). In rural and farming communities where guns are traditionally used for pest control and game shooting for the table, gun storage in the home is an issue of concern.

For information on campaigns and issues of domestic violence visit www.iansa.org/women or visit our 'Links and resources' page. For help with domestic violence ring the 24 hour free telephone helpline 080 2000 247.

For information visit www.womensaid.org.uk

To read more about this issue click on 'Reported incidents' and from the 'Issue type' option select 'Women and girls' or 'domestic violence'. To learn more about shotgun issues hover over 'current issues'  and select 'shotgun issues' from the drop down menu.

SHOTGUN SUICIDE AND SELF-HARM

• Shotguns are used by individuals to take their own lives.  Because they can be stored legally by certificated owners in the home they are readily available and accessible to owners and members of their family.  Individuals suffering fundamental social, physical and emotional stresses resort to an accessible weapon, intent on suicide/self harm with tragic consequences.

To read about shotgun suicide and self harm click on 'Reported incidents' and from the 'issue type' options select 'suicide and self-harm'. To learn more about shotgun issues hover over 'current issues'  and select 'shotgun issues' from the drop down menu.

For information and support on issues of suicide and self harm visit www.uk-sobs.org.uk or see our 'Links and resources' page.

SHOtGUN SUICIDE INCIDENTS

For example:-

A verdict of suicide has been recorded at an inquest into the death of a 19-year-old who was found dead at his home in Stinchcombe, Gloucestershire, in July 2008 with a single shotgun wound to the head.

Gasette (Gloucestershire), 10 February 2010

To read about these shotgun incidents click on 'Reported incidents' and from the 'Issue type' option select ''Suicide/self harm'.

Irresponsible Storage/gun loss and theft

• Shotgun owners with legally held guns also contribute to gun crime and compromise public safety by:-

1. failing to store their weapons at all times in locked cabinets. 

2. Leaving weapons on public transport.

For example:-

A shotgun, licence and ammunition were among items found on trains during the year.  The gun was left on a London to Glasgow train during the summer by a man thought to be going on a shooting trip.

Source: Scotsman, 26 December 2009

3. Leaving weapons in cars parked in the street, or in vehicles parked in pub car parks, country parks, on shooting moors etc. and other places where they are likely to be taken by opportunist thieves. 

Added Dangers of Storing Ammunition in the Home

Ammunition stored in the home, even when in metal cabinets, puts those living in the home, neighbours and emergency services at increased risk in cases of fire.

For example:-

Firefighters had to face exploding ammunition as they battled a blaze at a house in Carsluith, Wigtownshire.  The fire penetrated a metal gun cabinet in the workshop garage at the house.

Source: Galloway News, 17 December 2009

To read about these incidents click on 'Gun  incidents' and from the 'Issue type' option select 'Lost/stolen'.

For example:

A shotgun, a rifle and ammunition were among items stolen when a house was broken into in Framlingham, Suffolk.

Source: Dis Express, 27 April 2009

Children and shotguns 

Children of any age can apply for a shotgun certificate.  Police Firearms Licencing Departments consider applications in accordance with the l968 Firearms Act taking into account public safety, training and supervision to be given to the applicant, and carry out home checks on secure storage.

Forces granted 1,291 shotgun certificates to children aged 16 and under in England and Wales during the 12 months to October (2007), including 8 and 9 year olds. 

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1573279/Shotgun-licences-issued-to-eight-year-olds.html

Zanna Maison, spokesperson from the organisation 'Mothers Against Guns', said: "I'm shocked and disgusted that police are giving out certificates. The mentality of eight-year-olds is not strong enough to understand that a gun can cause so much harm."